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Dragons stalwart Hornby hangs up the boots

Calling it quits ... Dragons stalwart Ben Hornby will retire at the end of the season.

Getty Images: Cameron Spencer

St George Illawarra captain Ben Hornby has announced he will retire at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old joined the Dragons in 2000 and captained the joint venture club to the 2010 NRL title.

"It is a difficult time and decision to walk away from the game but having played footy since I was nine and (having) had 13 seasons in first grade, I have decided that it is time to move on," Hornby said in a statement.

"Whilst physically I could probably continue, mentally I have had enough."

Hornby, who started his career as a full-back before switching to the half-back role, has played more than 270 games for the Dragons.

The one-club veteran also played three games for New South Wales between 2004 and 2008 and one Test for Australia in 2006.

"To hold the club record for the number of first grade games, captain the club to a premiership, represent New South Wales and Australia is definitely not something I ever dreamed would be possible," Hornby said.

Hornby becomes the second high-profile Dragons player to retire at the end of the season, with hooker Dean Young set to join him on the sidelines next year.